Chain Reaction Bicycles

Our prices increased 4/17. But YOU have a free pass on the tariffs through Saturday 4/19! Every single bike on our floor... you get the pre-tariff price, just because you're on our email list.

Major bike lines announced price increases due to the 10% "base" tariffs imposed by the US on pretty much every country in the world. Note this "base" tariff did not get rolled back. This is separate from the crazy-high tariffs that will hopefully not happen.

The price increases on most bikes are in the range of 5-10%. Bicycling will still be a fantastic value, and as always, any bike you get from us will have value beyond its price as we make sure you get a bike that's best for how you'd like to ride, properly fit, and we're dedicated to making sure you enjoy your bike for years to come.

We cannot predict where things will go in the future. How much is theatrics, how much is a bargaining ploy, how much meant to punish some countries. We do know that the 124% tariff on bike parts made in China did not get rolled back so expect things like bicycle helmets, which nearly every manufacturer still makes in China, to go up steeply.

Availability of helmets, bike computers, apparel and everything else made in China will be an issue because companies are going to delay bringing product in, hoping that present 124% tariff will be negotiated away. If they bring in product now, they'll be paying more than double than what it would cost if the tariffs on China get rolled back. Again, the Chinese tariffs aren't like the rest of the world. The only exemptions for the Chinese tariffs have been some computer products and iPhones.

Don't believe the messaging that says the tariffs are a tax on the country where the product is made. It's clear, in the bicycle business, that retailers like us, and our customers, are bearing the full weight of the tariffs. They are an existential threat to our 45 year old business, and many others. If you would like to voice your concerns over the tariffs, use this link to send a message to the White House. Or call the switchboard (a real person answers!) at (202) 456-1414.

I've been riding with Kevin for 15 years, another 35 before that, and somehow missed this unusual place in the hills behind Cupertino. It looks like the abandoned steel mill from the original Robocop. 5 sets of tracks! What did this look like when it was in its heyday, manufacturing cement for Shasta Dam? Finding places like this is what makes it so fun to ride a bike! You don't need a car, you don't even need a plan. You just look up into the hills and wonder, what's that? How do I get there? --MikeJ

We can put that smile on your face. That's really what we sell. Smiles. Whether it's an ebike to extend your range, a trainer to help stay in shape when it's raining, a mountain bike to get completely away from cars or bikes for your kids so you're not driving them to school. We've got it. And more.

Repairs- We are slammed. There are going to be a lot of repairs, primarily older bikes and on-line-purchased ebikes, that we cannot take in, even on an appointment basis, because we don't have enough storage room or staff. We will continue to honor our commitment to all bikes sold with CRCare (which includes all bikes we've sold) but like most small businesses, we're struggling with massive increases in the costs of doing business, difficulty finding employees who can afford to live in this area, and the closing of many other bike shops in the area. Please consider sending us an email describing what your bike needs, and a picture of the bike, and we can let you know if it's something we can handle in a reasonable amount of time, or recommend you to someone else who can.

We could stay in business by changing our labor prices to keep up with the costs of doing business; they would literally more than double, just like how a hamburger at a restaurant used to run $9 and might now be $25 for a very good one. We pride ourselves on being in the very good/excellent category, and plan to stay there. Our goal is to minimize price increases by improving efficiency, which means we can't get bogged down in "projects" that require more time than is charged for. MikeJ 4/16/25

Can you build or finish the assembly of my ebike? Currently Chain Reaction is certified for Bosch, Shimano, TQ, Fazua, BEPS and Hyena. These are popular with the better brands found in many bike shops, but on-line bikes are usually using other, less-well-supported drive systems. Assembly should be done only by a shop certified for the drive system your bike uses. We encourage you to contact whomever you purchased your on-line ebike from to find out if they have authorized service available where you live, before buying the bike. Do not accept the line "We use standard components any shop can work with." It's usually a cover for not providing adequate support for local dealer service. No repairs on scooters. We no longer do any repairs of scooters. It's not our area of expertise and we have yet to see one that's UL2849 certified, so our insurance company doesn't like them either. At least 5 bike shops have burned down due to electric scooters and electric bikes left for repair.

Our 45th Anniversary present to you- Tire & Tube changes made easy!

You're not wrong- modern tires and tubes are more difficult to install than they used to be. More strength and prybar-like tools aren't the answer. You can out-smart that tough tire using technique! Our video will help make your next tire or tube change much easier! And since guys don't follow directions, women can watch this and show the boys how it's done. :-)

Feb 1, 1980- Chain Reaction Bicycles opened for business. Same ownership, same management, since Day 1! Life goes by at just the right speed on a bike. It's just as true today as it was 45 years ago.